Vision and priorities
Draft Vision
Scotland’s ferry services, supported by other transport services, will be safe, reliable, affordable and inclusive for residents, businesses and visitors enabling transport connectivity, sustainability and growth of island and peninsula communities and populations.
A majority of all respondents – 65% of those answering the question – believed that the draft vision captures the aspirations of island and peninsula communities for their future ferry services. Organisations were more likely to be supportive than individuals, at 73% and 63% of those answering respectively.
General comments included that the vision captures the main priorities and themes for consideration in the delivery of future ferry services, with reliability or connectivity being the crucial priorities referenced. However, it was also noted that the challenge will come with delivery and, in the interest of inclusivity, it was suggested, by a small number of respondents, that the vision needs to reflect the interests of communities served not just by ferry services but also by fixed links.
Other suggestions included that, to make the vision relatable and real, it should reflect the impacts upon islanders and their communities.
In order to both ensure that the vision is the right one, and help rebuild community trust in the ferry service, there was a suggestion made to ensure that the voice of island communities is reflected in the vision and called for a shift away from communities being consulted and towards “meaningful co-design”.
Draft priorities
Priority 1: reliable and resilient
Reliable and resilient ferry services that meet the needs of communities and businesses and support the transition to a well-being economy which is fair, green and growing.
Priority 2: accessible
Ferry services that are accessible and provide easy to use and affordable transport connectivity for all users.
Priority 3: integrated
Ferry services that enable sustainable and active travel choices which support our health and well-being and make our Island and other ferry dependent communities great places to live, work and visit.
Priority 4: low carbon
Ferry services that take actions to reduce the negative environmental impact of their operations and help to achieve Scotland's net-zero targets.
A majority of respondents – 59% of those answering the question – thought the four draft priorities reflect what island and peninsula communities see for their future ferry services.
Further comments often reflected themes raised at Questions 1 and 2 and included that work will be required to define communities’ needs, and that priorities may differ across the islands.
There was a view that Priority 4 (low carbon) may not be a particular priority for most ferry users, and that they would not want a low carbon focus to delay improvements in service. It was suggested that the primary aim must be to get the ferry service running properly, with Priority 4 only applicable providing it does not have a negative impact on delivering Priorities 1 (reliable and resilient) to 3 (integrated).
It was also noted that, as with the vision, delivery of the priorities will come with significant challenges which should not be under-estimated. In order to deliver the priorities there was reference to the need of retaining flexibility as well as committing to continuous improvement and investment into infrastructure which supports these services.
In addition to comments on the four proposed priorities, there were also a small number of suggestions for additional priorities to be included in the ICP. These included: capacity, as a standalone priority; accountability; community voice and transparency; providing an excellent service; sustaining population; and biosecurity.